PASC News Inside This Issue News & Notes...................... 2 • Council of Excellence • Staff Applications for
Volume 35 Issue 5 January 2011
PASC Members Act Locally, Reach Globally with Keep It Campaign
Summer Workshop Student Summit in Harrisburg Set for February...... 3 Winter Spirit Week Dress Up Theme Ideas................ 3 Apply to be a STAR Leaders Presenter............................ 4 PASC Registration Now Open for STAR Leaders Conference........................ 5 Winter Fundraiser Ideas..... 5 PASC Members Embrace the Keep It! Campaign............ 6 PASC 75th Conference Returns to Altoona.......... 7 Mark Your Calendar for Summer Workshops........ 7
When the “Keep It!” Campaign was launched in September of 2009, our goal was to motivate young people to develop their capacity as social entrepreneurs. For the campaign’s inaugural project, young entrepreneurs were challenged to act locally and reach globally by helping to build a community of hope in Ivory Park, South Africa. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils, hope is alive and well in Ivory Park. Backed by critical sup-
port from our member schools, A three-week old baby left at the daycare center in Ivory Park “Keep It!” is is swaddled in a blanket made by students at Governor Mifdrawing an ever- flin MS as part of the Keep It! Campaign. increasing number of dedicated volunteers. Their have raised more than half efforts are resulting in steady of these funds and allowed progress toward the developour organization to make a ment of strong student leaders significant impact in Ivory and the completion of project Park, where U.S. dollars go a goals. long way. A library has been built and the first round of To date, the “Keep It” Cambooks is already on the shelves. paign for Ivory Park has raised $20,000 towards its overall goal We have been able to fund the salaries of three full-time of $50,000. PASC’s member schools and its alumni partners teachers for an entire calendar continued on page 6
PASC Board Takes Action on 2011 Agenda The PASC Executive Board began its work for 2011 at the first of four annual meetings January 14–15. At its meeting at South Western HS, the board took action on the following major issues or initiatives: • Approved 2010 Financial Report and 2011 Budget including a decision to keep annual dues at $75. Of that, $60 of funds go to the state
association programs and $15 is sent to the respective district association. • Selection of Laurel Junior-Senior High School and Union MS–High School to host the 2012 PASC State Conference in New Castle, PA (District 2) November 1–3, 2012. • Authorized redesign of PASC website and approved contract with new host for website.
• Authorized establishment of a new PASC Facebook group and greater use of this communications tool. • Authorized scheduling of PAL (Principal-AdvisorLeaders) programs at three sites in late September 2011. Dates, program details, feature presenter, and cost to be determined at the March Executive Board meeting. • Approved posting of Handcontinued on page 2
News & Notes National Council of Excellence Applications Due February 15 Have you filled out your application for NASC’s Council of Excellence Award yet? PASC’s goal is to see an increase in the number of Pennsylvania schools recognized, including some of our outstanding middle schools. The Council of Excellence application is based on a council’s accomplishments for a calendar year. Many PASC member councils have done many outstanding things since January 1, 2010 and should consider applying for this prestigious award. Although it takes time to complete the NASC application, the process of doing it allows student leaders and advisors to reflect on all that they have done and to create a portfolio that reflects a positive view of their organization and their school. When the members of the council find a gap in projects not completed, the application provides a renewed incentive to move the project forward in the next few weeks, or to put it on the top of the council’s priority list for 2011. Each of the PASC schools that were named as Councils of Excellence for 2009 would urge your council to make that effort. Each found the work on putting the application packet together to be challenging, but worthwhile. It created a renewed focus on who they were and what they sought to accomplish in their school. Details on the application process and the appropriate forms can be found at www.nasc.us. The application is due to NASC on February 15, 2011.
Staff Applications Available Now for Summer Workshops PASC is seeking students who will graduate in 2011 or have graduated in 2009 or 2010 to serve as group advisors for one of the five PASC Summer Leadership Workshops. Additionally, advisors and other teachers or individuals with experience in leadership development are encouraged to apply for teaching positions at the PASC Blue (7–9 grade) workshops or the PASC Gold (9–12 grade) workshops for the summer of 2011. Applications are now available at www.pasc.net or by contacting the PASC Office at PASCInfo@aol.com or calling 215-280-9299. Deadline for submitting applications is February 25, 2011. 2
PASC News • January 2011 • www.pasc.net
PASC Board Meeting (cont’d from page 1) book for Middle Level Advisors and information on host of district conferences for Middle Level on the PASC website. • Revised job descriptions for District Directors and Regional Representatives Board members also reviewed plans for: • PASC Summer Workshops • STAR Leaders Conference and trip to St. Louis, Missouri (for NASC, NHS, NJHS) in June • Student Summit in Harrisburg program scheduled for February 24, 2011. In addition, the Board heard reports from: • Student representatives to the State Board of Education • PASC Alumni Partners • “Keep It Campaign” and Ivory Park Program in South Africa (see related article) • Region 2 Student Liaison regarding NASC initiatives and programs.
PASC Board Members Leaving Positions The January PASC Executive Board meeting saw the end of the two-year term of four student board members: Mary Wilcox (Region A Rep, Villa Maria Academy); Danielle Spinden (Region B Rep, Fort Cherry HS); Destiny Orchowski (Region D Rep, Elkland HS); and Sammi Burke (Region E Rep, Big Spring HS). Additionally, our 2010 Middle Level reps and advisors completed their terms. They are Morgan Vallie and her advisor, Sue Lyons, from Big Spring MS and Sean Todd and his advisor, Erica Castaldo, from North Pocono MS. Changes on the PASC Board will also come with the departure of Region G Rep Gracie Sloane and District 1 Director Dan Kane of General McLane HS. The Region G Rep vacancy will be filled by a student from Boyertown HS. PASC will be seeking advisors from the counties of northwestern Pennsylvania to fill the vacancy of the District 1 Director who will serve through at least June of 2012. PASC thanks each of these board members for their dedication and service to the students and advisors of the schools of Pennsylvania.
New Terms Begin PASC welcomed the following new members of the Board, who started their new terms of office on January 1: Mariam Ahmad President Altoona Area HS Troy Davis Region A Representative Ford City HS Caroline Steliotes Region B Representative Quaker Valley HS Mallory Mokay Region D Representative North Pocono HS Bonaire Berry Region E Representative New Oxford HS Patrick Moore Middle Level Representative Kane MS Deb Wensel Middle Level Advisor Kane MS Lily Wang Middle Level Representative Great Valley MS Debbie Spencer Middle Level Advisor Great Valley MS
Student Summit in Harrisburg Set for February PASC will hold its 13th annual Student Summit in the State Capitol in Harrisburg on February 24, 2011. The opening in the morning and the entire afternoon session of presentations and debates will be held in chamber of the House of Representatives. Morning work sessions will be held in caucus rooms and committee rooms in the Capitol. In preparation for the beginning of Governor Corbett’s administration, the 2010 program will focus on state issues and is designed for Pennsylvania student leaders to share their ideas and concerns with leaders of the state legislature and Governor. The five topic areas include: • Education • Energy and Environment
• Healthy Choices • Higher Education and Jobs • Safe Schools and Safe Driving This year’s program will ask delegates to write their own resolution or proposal and submit it with their application. The program is designed to gather new and creative ideas from Pennsylvania’s student leaders that address issues of concern in the Commonwealth. Students are free to submit proposals that do not fit exactly fit in the topic areas listed above. Details about the Summit, the application process, and additional information on topic areas are available at www.pasc. net. A copy of the program information and application was attached to the December
Students will present and debate resolutions in the chamber of the House of Representatives during the 13th Student Summit in the State Capitol.
PASC NEWS and was sent out as a special e-mail blast on January 18. Please download it and share it with others in your school. The program is open all students (including nonstudent council members) in grades 9–12 only. If you have
additional questions, contact us at PASCInfo@aol.com. Deadline to apply by FAX: January 25, 2011. Deadline extension requests must be made by calling the PASC Office at 215-280-9299.
Winter Spirit Week Dress-Up Day Ideas Winter sports spirit weeks are a great way to spice up the winter months. Similar to Homecoming spirit weeks, these events often have dressup days for students to show their spirit. As you are planning dress-up days, realize that you will get more participation with easier, lower-risk themes than ones that require a lot of effort and a higher risk that others will laugh at your effort. Start with low-risk themes and work your way up to the higher-risk themes. Try some of these ideas: n Multi-Color Day—wear as many different colors as possible n Spots and Stripes Day— wear spotted or striped clothing or a combination of spots
and stripes n Hat Day—go beyond baseball caps and find something different n Sunglasses Day—find your coolest or most unusual shades to wear n College Gear Day—featuring hats, shirts and other college gear n Safari Day—everything from low-key khakis to more creative safari gear with hats, binoculars, etc. n Multiplicity Day—like twin day, but match as many people as you can n Stuffed Animal Day— everyone has a favorite stuffed animal they could bring n Surf, Snow, and Sun Day— covers a lot of different outdoor activities
Extreme Weather/Weather Disaster Day—wear raincoats, boots, etc. n People-At-Work/Construction Day—clothing appropriate for a construction site n Profession Day—dress like what you want to be “when you grow up” n Fake an Injury Day—fake any injury with bandages, crutches, casts, etc. n Grandparents/Senior Day—dress like senior citizens n Thrift Store Day—dress in outfits from the thrift store n Fashion Disaster Day— dress in deliberately unfashionable clothes n Garbage Day—outfits designed out of plastic garbage bags n
Duct Tape Day—wear outfits designed out of duct tape n Celebrity Day—dress like your favorite celebrity or celebrity look-alike n Salad Dressing Day—people dress like their favorite salad dressing: Ranch (Cowboy), Caesar (togas and sandals), Thousand Island (Caribbean/ Hawaiian), Blue Cheese (Blue), French (berets and fashionable clothes), House Dressing (school colors), etc. n
PASC News • January 2011 • www.pasc.net
3
Apply to Be a STAR Leaders Presenter NASC and NHS are looking for workshop presenters for the STAR Leaders conference to be held this June in St. Louis. Expand your leadership experience and share your great ideas and the skills that you have learned by being a workshop presenter. Workshop applications are available at www.starleadersconference.org, or from Kathy Coll, PASC Assistant Executive Director (kcoll1@comcast.net) or Jim Finnemeyer (PASCInfo@ aol.com). The deadline to apply is February 4, 2011. You must have presented at a PASC state or LEAD Conference to be a STAR Leaders presenter. Additional delegates are permitted from schools that are selected to present workshops. If you have any questions, e-mail Kathy Coll. n Application Process: The
2011 application is a PDF document that features data entry fields and online submission. It also allows presenters to save copies of their completed applications. With few exceptions, the majority of presenters will be able to complete the application process electronically. It is important that all relevant information on the application is entered prior to submission for review. Several fields have been pre-set as required and the submission feature will not work if any are left blank. Required fields appear with a red border. To complete an application, please use the following steps: 4
is published monthly during the school year. To submit announcements, articles, or corrections for newsletters, please email the Executive Director or Assistant Executive Director. Articles or information from PASC NEWS may be reproduced for use, with appropriate credit.
1. Go to www.starleadersconference.org and click on the Training tab to download a form to your computer. 2. Open the form using Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader (it is best to use the most current version). 3. Use your mouse or tab to navigate through the application. Simply click on check boxes to indicate your choices. Other than sample program materials, all information requested on the application must be entered in the corresponding fields. Responses of “see attached” are not acceptable. 4. Signatures are not required on the 2011 application. Persons submitting the applications attest that all information is correct when they enter their name on the final page.
their completed forms) 6. Any support materials may be emailed to Tammy Wightman, wightmant@principals.org. Please do not fax materials. 7. Be sure to also send a copy of your application and supporting materials to PASC Assistant Executive Director, Kathy Coll electronically or by mail to 174 Link Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15237. When accepted, be sure to contact Kathy Coll so you are included on the PASC trip to St. Louis.
5. Upon completing the application, press the SUBMIT FORM button and follow the directions to email it to NASSP/Star Leaders. Some mail programs are not recognized by Adobe. In those cases, the completed form may be saved to the desktop and then attached in an email to wightmant@principals.org. It is also advisable to print a hard copy for archival backup.
Important Reminder:
(NOTE: The 2011 application is a PDF Distributable form that will allow users to save applications with entered data on the users’ computers. The program will prompt users to save
Questions about applying to be a STAR Leaders presenter may be directed to Tammy Wightman at wightmant@ principals.org.
PASC News • January 2011 • www.pasc.net
PASC NEWS
Incomplete applications and those received with missing information will not be considered. Should any missing information be identified, the primary presenter and conference adviser will be notified by NASSP/Star Leaders staff. Missing information or documentation must be received by NASSP/Star Leaders prior to March 1, 2011.
Executive Director Jim Finnemeyer North Penn HS 1340 Valley Forge Road Lansdale, PA 19446 215-280-9299 215-855-0632 (Fax) Finnemeyer@aol.com PASCInfo@aol.com Assistant Executive Director Kathy Ann Coll 174 Link Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412-366-5744 Kcoll1@comcast.net PASC President Mariam Ahmad Altoona Area HS 1400 7th Avenue Altoona, PA 16602 PASC President-Elect To Be Announced PASC News Editor Lyn Fiscus Leadership Logistics PASC Email: PASCInfo@aol.com PASC Website: www.pasc.net
PASC Registration Now Open for NASC’s Star Leaders Conference Students and advisors, join PASC as we begin the quest to the first STAR Leaders Conference, hosted by NASC and NHS. The spirited PASC delegation will fly to St. Louis, known as the Gateway to the West, on Thursday, June 23.
Activities The PASC pre-conference trip will include: • Baseball game at Busch Stadium, where the Cardinals will meet the Phillies. • No visit to St. Louis is complete without a stop at the Gateway Arch, the iconic symbol of St. Louis and the tallest monument in the United States. The steel structure was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987. We’ll head to the top for an awesome view and check out the museum of westward expansion located under the Arch. • Team building activities at Grant Park, located in downtown for a chance to meet the delegates in your PASC squad. • A fun dinner and entertainment with all Region 2 delegates (from NY, NJ, MD, and DE) on Friday night.
Quest to be a STAR Leader The conference itself will feature: • Two and a half days focused on leadership and service • Numerous settings for collaboration, networking, and idea sharing
• Student-led workshops • Large group breakout sessions on various topics • National speakers including Justin Laipply, inspirational comedian and creator of “Evolution of Dance”™ • Opportunity to meet students and advisors from around the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.
limit.
Go to www.nasc.us and click on conferences for more details including a tentative schedule and a video about the conference.
Save the dates: June 23–27, 2011
Trip/conference chaperones are Jim Finnemeyer, PASC executive director, and Kathy Coll, PASC assistant executive director. Other advisors attending the conference will also assist.
Expense Details
Registration Details
The pre-trip and conference cost is $1,200, which includes: • Roundtrip airline flight from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh • Four-night hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency in downtown • Transportation during pretrip • All meals except three lunches • Tickets and entrance fees to all venues • Conference registration fee ($350) • PA delegation T-shirts (4)
Additional Details Any student in grades 7–12 (in Sept. of 2011) is eligible to attend the conference. Your school advisor does not have to attend with you. There is a limit of six students per school; there is no limit to how many advisors may attend per school. Accepted workshop presenters do not count against a school’s
The STAR Leaders Conference will also include students from NHS and NJHS chapters. Don’t hesitate to ask an NHS friend to join you as part of the Pennsylvania delegation. The conference will have both joint and separate Student Council and NHS sessions and workshops
Registration for the Pennsylvania delegation is now open. Visit http://unicorn1.wufoo.com/ forms/pasc-registration-formfor-2011-nasc-conference/ to complete the Pennsylvania registration online. Print out a copy of the information and send it with a $500, non-refundable deposit (check made out to PASC) to Kathy Coll, 174 Link Ave. Pittsburgh, Pa 15237. Registration is open now and continues until the February 1st deadline. Airline tickets need to be purchased early to keep trip price down. Two additional payments of $350 each are due on March 15 and May 1. If you have any questions, email Kathy at kcoll1@comcast. net or call (412) 445-4193.
f
Ideas for Winter Fundraising
Looking for a fundraising idea this winter? Try one of these projects:
f Snow Sculptures. Organize a snow sculpture contest where teams of students create sculptures out of snow and ice. Charge admission fees—either to enter the contest or to view the creations—and offer a good prize as an incentive. f Coffee House. Convert the cafeteria for an evening of entertainment with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and snacks. Create a stage with a black background and twinkle lights and bring in couches to create more comfortable seating. Feature a series of student-perfomed acts—music, poetry, comedy, dance, and so forth. Charge admission and sell refreshments. f Snow Ball or Blizzard Ball. Sponsor a semi-formal dance with a wintry theme. Decorate the gym or cafeteria with snowflakes, twinkling lights, pine branches sprayed with artificial snow, and other snowy elements. f Best Kiss Contest. Students put on lipstick, then pay $1 to kiss a card. The cards are put on display for Valentine’s Day and students pay 25¢ to vote on the best kiss. The boy and girl with the most votes are crowned Mr. and Ms. Irresistible. Excerpted from The Bucks Start Here: Fundraising for Student Activities, by Lyn Fiscus and Earl Reum.
PASC News • January 2011 • www.pasc.net
5
PASC Members Embrace the Keep It! Campaign year. A fourth teacher’s salary has been covered by regular monthly contributions from a small group of PASC alums who have embraced the “Power of Ten” concept by contributing ten dollars a month. In addition, construction of the community center kitchen has been completed. Much of the funding is in place, and our partners at First Presbyterian Church in Greeneville, TN, have pledged enough funds to cover the remaining kitchen costs. Funds have also been directed to support feeding programs for the daycare center, soup kitchen, and an after-school program for teen orphans who, because of the AIDS crisis, are parenting their younger siblings. The program allows the teens to continue their education while their siblings are cared for at the daycare center. It also provides a hot meal, a tutor, and a place to study after school. Altogether, these programs now feed 150 preschool children, 60 senior citizens, and 75 teens.
PASC’s Impact Many of these projects have been funded, in large part, by contributions from Pennsylvania schools. At Governor Mifflin MS, students planned fundraising activities, and prepared blankets, friendship bracelets, and picture books for Ivory Park children. Student Council advisor Nancy Brady believes that involvement in the project has been a positive influence on students. “This December 18, almost a year to the day of our school-wide project for Ivory Park, the students of 6
Governor Mifflin had the opportunity to see and hear about the difference they made miles away in a community in South Africa,” explains Brady. “The story of a three-week-old baby being welcomed and wrapped in a blanket made right here at our school touched every heart in the gym. And, the before and after pictures of the library and kitchen brought thunderous applause from the student body and staff. Knowing that they had made a significant impact in the lives of children and adults halfway across the globe was a wonderful way for our students and staff to start the holiday season.” At North Allegheny HS, student council members planned a dodgeball tournament that raised more than $1,200 for the cause. In addition, NA students and PASC Assistant Executive Director, Kathy Coll, created a how-to manual that outlines plans for hosting a dodgeball tournament. The manual will be used by other schools as PASC promotes the tournament as a statewide project model that works. In addition, students from Norwin HS donated proceeds from school dances. The Mars HS student council organized a dodgeball tournament. And, students from Union MS sponsored a movie day while Union staff members volunteered at a local pizza shop. At Oak Park Elementary School, students and staff are participating in creative seasonal fundraisers that will provide support all year long. Along with these school-wide efforts, individual students at Riverside HS, North Penn
PASC News • January 2011 • www.pasc.net
(cont’d from page 1)
HS, Athens Area MS, Elizabeth Forward HS, Hatboro Horsham HS, and Interboro HS, along with the Advanced Gold Workshop team organized personal fundraising campaigns and recruited additional supporters through Facebook. As our sponsor and major supporter, the PASC— led by Executive Director Jim Finnemeyer, Assistant Executive Director, Kathy Coll, Treasurer Bill Sebastian, former State President Abby Case, and 2010 State President Jillian Roeske—has played a major role in getting the library built and in efforts to provide training and support to student leaders and their advisors. Coll traveled to Ivory Park to view community needs and to share the PASC’s commitment. She continues to coordinate all of our efforts with PASC. Sebastian has stepped up to be the treasurer for the project. “PASC’s impact has been profoundly significant,” says “Keep It!” founder Bob Tryanski. “A new library has been built that didn’t exist a year ago. Teachers know they are going to receive a regular paycheck, and more children, teens, and senior citizens are being fed on a daily basis because PASC member schools have embraced the idea of acting locally and reaching globally. I can’t wait to see what happens as student leaders turn their attention to expanding the reach of ‘Keep It!’ and, also, to address local causes and needs in their home communities.”
A library (above) has been built in Ivory Park, South Africa, and the first round of books is on the shelves, thanks to the efforts of PASC members. Below are photos showing the interior of the library before and after the contributions that enabled the library to be stocked with books and other materials.
75th PASC State Conference Returns to Altoona in November The Pennsylvania Association of Student Councils was founded in 1932 by five schools: Altoona HS, Ebensburg HS, Kane HS, State College HS and York HS. In 1934 Altoona HS hosted the first PASC State Conference. In November 2011 PASC delegates will again come to Altoona for the 75th PASC State Conference.
Conference Preview Here is a preview of plans for 2011 that the “Altoona Team” has developed. The Conference will be held Thursday, November 10 through Saturday, November 12, 2011. The registration fee will be $110 per delegate. Conference sessions will be held on the campuses of the new Altoona Area Junior HS and across the street at Altoona Area Senior HS. Registration and welcome activities will be held Thursday afternoon in both buildings.
A free dinner for advisors and an evening opening General Session will be held at Altoona Area Senior HS. Student delegates will go to host homes for dinner and will return to the high school for the general session. The evening will conclude with a concert/dance with a Beatles band in the high school gym. On Friday, an advisor breakfast will be held at the Ramada Inn while students eat at host homes. The general session, workshop sessions, and lunch for students and advisors will be held on the combined campus of Altoona Area Junior and Senior High Schools. On Friday night, the banquet and separate middle level and high school dances will take place at the Blair County Convention Center. The conference will end on Saturday morning by 11:00 a.m. with delegates having a maximum travel time of four hours from this truly central Pennsylvania location.
The conference theme “With A Little Help From My Friends” captures the idea of individual help, school, help, and community help, all made easier with people working together.
Housing Info In 2011, PASC will return to the use of host homes for student delegates, but will also provide an option for schools that require that their students be housed in hotels. Please note however that the number of hotel rooms for the housing of both advisor and student delegates will be limited and that hotels need to be booked
Underclassmen: Mark Your Calendar for a 2011 Summer Camp Experience with PASC
Featured Speakers
The 2011 Summer Leadership Workshop Brochure and Application will be emailed by February 15 to all students and advisors who subscribe to PASC NEWS. It will also be posted on the PASC website at the same time. A hardcopy of the workshop brochure and applications will be mailed to advisors by March 1. Please note the following dates and locations and begin planning now for students to attend in July. Costs & Deadlines: Blue (Grades 7–9) Grove City College July 17–21 Lebanon Valley College July 24–28 Gold (Grades 9–12) Grove City College July 10–15 Susquehanna University July 24–29 Advanced Gold (Grades 11–12) University of Pittsburgh/Johnstown July 17–23
early because of a home Penn State football game in nearby State College the same weekend. This causes Altoona hotel rooms to be booked quickly. The February edition of PASC NEWS will provide hotel information. Reasonable hotel rates have been negotiated and will be published at that time. Conference information will also be available at www. pasc.net and at the conference website www.pasc75.org as of February 1.
Early Bird (May 13th)
Regular ( June 10th)
$335 $335
$360 $360
$360 $360
$385 $385
$445
$470 PASC News
Exciting and talented keynote speakers have been chosen and will be featured in a spring issue of PASC NEWS. They include Mark Scharenbroich, Mark Brown, and Mike Smith. Advisors will have the opportunity to pre-register their schools for the Conference this spring. Details of the registration process will be announced in March. Circle the dates now and join us in Altoona, November 10–12, 2011, for the 75th PASC state conference! • January 2011 • www.pasc.net 7